As one of the strongest advocacy groups in the state of Iowa, the Iowa Association of REALTORS® is looking forward to another successful legislative session in 2023. Our more than 8,200 members are leaders, protectors of private property rights, and essential members of our communities. Their work ensures every Iowan has access to the dream of homeownership and that the consumers are protected in what is likely the largest financial transaction they will make.
Homeowners Associations
As Homeowners Associations continue to expand across the state of Iowa into our communities, we encourage our elected officials to examine the proper avenues to ensure transparency and timeliness in real estate transactions. Efforts to promote these actions include:
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HOAs filing their Bylaws and Covenants with the Secretary of State's office as an addendum to their biennial report
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The creation of a public website for HOAs
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Limits on bans of short and long term rentals for the protection of private property rights
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Timely notification of board meetings for HOA members
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Access to HOA documents with no fee one time annually per HOA member
Homeowner Benefit Agreements
With a fiduciary duty to protect clients and customers, Iowa REALTORS® encourage our elected officials to support a ban on Homeowner Benefit Agreements. A Homeowner Benefit Agreement is one in which a brokerage offers a homeowner a certain amount of money up front if they sign a contract for an exclusive right to list for the next 40 years. However, since this document is recorded, the exclusive right to list can be passed from owner to owner over the 40 years the agreement is valid for. In order for a homeowner to get out of the listing agreement, they would need to pay upwards of 3 percent of the home’s value even if they were not the initial signer on the listing agreement. This is far more than the small dollar amount first received when signing the contract.
These agreements are an infringement upon private property rights and harmful to consumers and we are dedicated to eliminating their ability to operate in the state of Iowa. We hope the legislature will support our efforts to stop these harmful practices from occurring in our state.
Property Taxes
As the legislature examines changes to property taxes, Iowa REALTORS® look forward to being at the forefront of the discussion, lending our expertise and experiences to ensure these changes do not create an undue burden on homeowners or the real estate industry, and we will continue to advocate for no increases in the real estate transfer tax.
Licensing
Iowa REALTORS® are proud of the professionalism of the real estate industry and want to maintain this high level of professionalism as the industry continues to evolve. To support these efforts, Iowa REALTORS® oppose any changes to our license laws that would be harmful to the real estate profession, and undermine the trust our clients and the public place in their REALTORS®.
IAR 2023 Legislative Agenda
Please reach out to IAR Government Affairs Director, Greta Haas, greta@iowarealtors.com, with any questions!